Next-Generation Biomaterials for Regenerative Endodontics and Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Regenerative dentistry and the concept of bioactivity represent rapidly advancing fields where biomaterials science is redefining therapeutic approaches toward tissue preservation and functional restoration.

Conventional restorative materials prioritized mechanical strength, yet growing awareness of the oral–systemic health connection is driving the development of advanced biomaterials that not only repair local defects but also modulate biological processes influencing systemic wellbeing. Recent studies demonstrate that bioactive scaffolds, nanomaterials, and hydrogels can promote pro-regenerative signaling, enhance local immune modulation, and mitigate inflammatory responses associated with chronic oral infections, with potential downstream effects on systemic inflammatory pathways.

However, the complexity of oral biointerfaces and the variability of host responses continue to challenge the consistency and predictability of these outcomes.

Emerging research shows significant progress in designing smart and cell-instructive materials that interface effectively with dental pulp, dentin, and periapical tissues while maintaining biocompatibility and functionality. Increasing evidence suggests that effective dental regeneration may contribute to reductions in inflammation and microbial dissemination, potentially benefiting cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune health. Despite advances in bioactive material design, a translational gap persists between laboratory validation and clinical implementation. Gaps remain in understanding long-term material behavior under systemic conditions, potential immunological interactions, and the influence of patient comorbidities on regenerative outcomes. Bridging these gaps requires multidisciplinary collaboration connecting materials science, molecular biology, and clinical dentistry and medicine.

This Research Topic aims to highlight next-generation biomaterials that enable tissue regeneration and support local antimicrobial control, functions that may operate independently or synergistically through antimicrobial activity and host modulation, with broader implications for oral and systemic health. It seeks to promote innovative strategies integrating regenerative endodontics, minimally invasive dentistry, and systemic disease prevention. The goal is to identify mechanisms linking local biomaterial performance to systemic biological responses, deepen understanding of oral inflammatory crosstalk with the body, and accelerate the translation of biomaterial innovations for holistic healthcare improvements.

To gather further insights into biomaterial-driven regeneration and/or bioactivity and their potential interrelations with systemic health, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Design and characterization of bioactive, immunomodulatory, and smart dental biomaterials
• Nanostructured and hydrogel systems for controlling oral inflammation and infection
• Molecular pathways connecting pulp-dentin regeneration and systemic health outcomes
• Modulation of Immune and Inflammatory Responses by Dental Biomaterials
• Oral microbiome interactions influencing systemic disease risk
• Translational studies linking regenerative dental therapies and systemic health
• Clinical and preclinical evaluation of minimally invasive regenerative strategies
• Data-driven design and optimisation of biomaterials for improved performance in endodontics and/or minimally invasive dentistry.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Regenerative endodontics, Bioactive biomaterials, Immunomodulation, Nanomaterials, Hydrogels, Dental pulp regeneration, Minimally invasive dentistry, Oral-systemic health

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.